Christmas Island

Tragedy marks 2nd capsizing in one week

(Newser) -
For the second time in a week, a boat crowded with asylum seekers sank off Christmas Island—but this time, at least 130 of the estimated 150 on board have been rescued, the AP reports. In Thursday's capsizing , which happened in the same area—a popular destination for refugees...
More »

Australian, Indonesian navies search for survivors of capsized boat

(Newser) -
Indonesian and Australian navies launched a rescue for about 200 people on a boat that capsized earlier today south of Indonesia in an apparent attempt to reach Australia to seek asylum. Scores of people were feared drowned. The boat capsized about 120 miles north of the Australian territory of Christmas...
More »

Wooden boat crashed near Christmas Island

(Newser) -
Rescuers were returning to treacherous seas Thursday to hunt for any possible survivors after a wooden boat smuggling up to 100 asylum seekers smashed against the cliffs of Christmas Island, tossing people overboard and killing at least 28. Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said 44 people had been rescued, including 11...
More »

Asylum ship smashes on Christmas Island cliffs

(Newser) -
Dozens of people are believed to have been killed when a wooden boat packed with around 70 asylum seekers smashed apart on jagged cliffs on Christmas Island today. Residents of the remote Australian island watched helplessly as passengers, including women and children, were flung into churning water and smashed against...
More »